Thesis subject
Microbial interactions between green microalgae Neochloris oleoabundans and hypothesised symbionts
Microalgae are considered as potential oil producers as an alternative to fossil fuels. The field is developing very fast, but a lot remains unknown with respect to the biology and ecology of microalgae.
We hypothesise that the green microalgae Neochloris oleoabundans lives in symbiosis with at least two bacteria. This is supported by the fact that an axenic N. oleoabundans culture shows hampered growth and eventually dies.
Aim
The aim of this project is to analyse and characterise the bacteria that is present in the Neochloris cultures. Once the symbionts are characterized we can say more about the relationship and the exchange of possible substrates between the species. The insight in this symbiosis might result in optimised media and subsequently in more axenic cultures which eases experiments in the future. But on the other hand can enable us to use beneficial micro-organisms to obtain stable cultures on a large scale.
Techniques and Methods
- DNA extraction
- Cloning
- Preparing clone libraries
- Sequencing
- Sequencing result analysis
- qPCR
- Microscopy
More information
Project for MSc students with interest in Molecular Biology and Microbiology
Supervisors:
0317-483792
PhD Bioprocess Engineering
Detmer Sipkema
0317-483113
Assistant professor Microbiology
This project is preferably designed for an MSc thesis (6 months). Please contact me if you are interested! lenny.dejaeger@wur.nl